River Beauty

Epilobium latifolium

Physical Characteristics

Epilobium latifolium is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

N. Europe to Northern N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Tea Young shoots - cooked. Used like asparagus[85, 105, 172]. Very poor quality[2]. Young leaves - raw[172, 183]. They become bitter with age[85]. A good source of vitamins A and C[257]. Flower stalks - raw or cooked. Eaten when the flowers are in bud[85]. The dried leaves are used as a tea substitute[85, 177, 183]. The core of mature stems is eaten raw. Slightly sweet, tender and pleasant tasting[85, 172]. Very fiddly though[85].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antidote Antiinflammatory Antipruritic Antirheumatic Febrifuge The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. Analgesic, antidote, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, antirheumatic and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of fevers and inflammations, plus also itching pimples.

Known Hazards

None known